Holistic therapy in Atlanta, GA is a different kind of therapy that goes beyond the physical aspects of addiction. It attempts to address the individual in terms of their mind, spirit, and body. Holistic therapy treats addiction for those who want to feel completely renewed in their life. As a result of this mind, body and spiritual healing form, someone can will better develop a much deeper understanding of the self through holistic therapies.
Our highly trained staff walk someone through healing in a physical, mental, and emotional way. Drug and alcohol addiction affects the mind just as much as the body—even sometimes even more so. Therefore, holistic therapy aims to give individuals peace through experience and activities.
Defining Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy is a powerful tool for addiction recovery. It promotes holistic healing through practical, hands-on activities and helps those in recovery learn and reinforce new skills, express difficult or suppressed emotions, and find inspiration.
The motives for addiction are complex and often buried deep beneath the surface. Overcoming them requires a variety of approaches that engages the mind and body so someone can heal. At Empowered Recovery Center, we offer holistic therapy alongside traditional talking therapies to provide people with the best chance of life-long recovery.
Types of Holistic Therapy
During holistic therapy in Atlanta, a person will engage in practical activities and experiences under the guidance of a professional therapist. Sessions can be one-to-one or as a group with other people in recovery.
Holistic activities can range from physical or creative activities, to more spiritual and gentle modalities. These healing treatments can help lower depression, reduce anxiety and help release harmful emotions.
Some of these can include:
- Art therapy
- Yoga, Tai Chi
- Breathwork/meditation
- Aromatherapy
- Biofeedback
- Music therapy
- Equine therapy
- Reiki
- Sound healing
- Massage
- Hypnosis
How Does Holistic Therapy Support Addiction Recovery?
Backed up by scientific research, holistic therapy offers numerous benefits for addiction recovery. These therapeutic experiences complement other treatment methods, such as behavioral therapies and support groups to provide holistic healing. They help someone lay solid foundations for their recovery journey that stand the test of time.
Some benefits of holistic therapy in Atlanta include:
- Increased self-awareness, strength, and resilience
- Healthy, practical coping skills
- Improved communication skills
- Better emotional intelligence
- Team bonding
- Relief from emotional dysregulation
- Greater distress tolerance
“Thank you for giving me the courage to believe in myself again.” – Stephanie, Former Client
Learning by Doing
In Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes the best recovery programs offer a variety of treatments, and no particular treatment works for every individual. Some people learn best by doing—by engaging with the world through hands-on activities. Holistic activities offer the chance to develop new skills by practicing them, whether in an art class or in a drama studio.
To add, holistic therapy also helps one reinforce skills they have learned in talking therapies, so they become natural and intuitive. Upon completing treatment, a person can apply these skills to everyday situations, including stressful or complicated circumstances.
Staying Engaged in Treatment
Effective recovery treatment takes time. Someone may need several months to make the meaningful changes required to secure long-term recovery. Finding the motivation and inspiration to stay in treatment is a crucial part of one’s success.
Scientific research suggests that holistic activities can play a prominent role in keeping clients engaged in their treatment program. A recent study suggested that practical experiences can provide a “break from the normal treatment” and increase both treatment satisfaction and duration of stay.
Holistic activities can also help rediscover passions, hobbies, and the joys of a sober life. Someone may be inspired by the breathtaking beauty of nature or the creative experience of art and music. These discoveries can motivate them to continue their recovery journey while providing fun, sober activities that keep them away from drugs and alcohol.
Expressing Difficult Emotions
The causes of addiction are often complex, personal, and deep-rooted. Many clients have suppressed the feelings and thought patterns that underlie their addictive behaviors, and they may not be able to express them verbally in traditional talking therapy sessions.
Holistic therapy in Atlanta offers the chance for clients to express themselves non-verbally—through art, music, or body language. Often, creative activities help us bypass rational thought processes and access the thoughts and feelings underneath. During holistic therapy, a professional therapist is always by someone’s side to help them manage this process safely.
“I arrived at ER completely broken, I’d tried so many times to stop taking fentanyl. All of the staff really supported me and helped me realize that there was hope.” – Bill, Former Client
Holistic Therapy and Dual Diagnosis
Many people struggling with a substance abuse disorder (SUD) also suffer from another co-occurring mental health condition. MedlinePlus states that up to 50% of people with a SUD also live with another mental disorder, like anxiety or depression, that may drive their addictive behavior. These disorders can make recovery more complicated as they can decrease energy, make someone less responsive to treatment, and affect their ability to communicate with others.
At Empowered Recovery Center, we offer dual diagnosis programs to help clients tackle these underlying issues and achieve sustainable, long-term recovery. Holistic therapy in Atlanta can support this process by assisting clients in enjoying positive interactions with the world around them. This experience can provide motivation and energy while helping clients be more open and communicative in other treatment sessions. Last but not least, it can also provide clients with the positivity and mindset they need to open the door to meaningful recovery.
Music Therapy
Music therapy supports clients in addiction recovery through creating, singing, listening, and moving to music. It’s a valuable tool for relieving emotional distress, expressing difficult feelings, and connecting the mind, body, and soul. Music therapists experience music therapy as an effective treatment for various illnesses, including substance use disorders and chronic pain.
We often use music as an escape or as a means to relax. In addiction recovery, creating and listening to music can offer a healthy way to cope with negative feelings and thought patterns, helping a person stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Music also facilitates a different kind of communication from a verbal conversation. When talking, we take it in turns to speak. However, when making music, we communicate simultaneously. Music can help us develop unique bonds with friends and loved ones while expressing emotions that can be difficult to verbalize.
Equine Therapy
Humans have used horse-assisted treatment, or equine therapy, for thousands of years. Even the ancient Greeks spoke of the therapeutic benefits of horse-riding. Equine therapy can help someone build a positive self-image, develop honest communication skills, and learn to put trust in those around them.
People who have lived with addiction often struggle with feelings of shame or low self-esteem. These feelings can prevent people from moving on from past events and developing the self-belief to overcome challenges ahead.
Research suggests that horse-assisted therapy can help people build a positive image of themselves that is responsible, useful, and accepted. This sense of self-worth provides people with the strength and determination to continue their recovery journey and seek the fulfilling life they deserve.
“Everyone at ER helped me so much! I’m coming up to six months clean now which I never thought I’d manage. I can’t say thank you enough times!” – Jerry, Former Client
Finding Holistic Therapy in Atlanta, GA
If you are struggling with addiction, we’re here to help. At Empowered Recovery Center, we can assist you in developing the skills you need to reclaim your life and achieve life-long recovery. Contact us today to take the first steps toward a life free from addiction through holistic therapy in Atlanta. Your recovery is important to us. Everyone deserves to pursue their aims, have fun in life, and achieve their full potential.
At Empowered Recovery Center, we offer a wide range of evidence-based treatment methods in an individualized program to suit you. We help you develop the skills you need to reclaim your life once you have left our center and support you every step of the way.
Call us today or visit our admissions page to take the first steps to a life-long recovery and fulfilling life free from addiction.
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